10 Best Things to Do in Seward, Alaska (+ Hidden Gems)
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Tucked between the mountains and the sparkling sea, Seward is your entryway to Kenai Fjords National Park. But more than that - this coastal town is an amazing blend of outdoor adventure, wildlife, and that cozy small-town feel.
As a previous Alaska resident, I can confidently say that Seward is one of my favorite places in the entire state! I found myself drawn back to this charming town over and over again, especially to experience it in all different seasons.
Planning a trip to Seward during your time in Alaska? I’ve got you covered! This guide has everything you need to know about the best things to do in Seward, from iconic hikes to local hidden gems you won't want to miss. I'm also sharing my favorite spots to eat, drink, and stay to help you plan the perfect adventure. Let's go!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Where is Seward in Alaska?
How to Get to Seward
10 Best Things to Do in Seward, Alaska
Other Things to Do Near Seward
Where to Stay in Seward, Alaska
Where to Eat and Drink in Seward
When to Visit Seward (Best Time of Year)
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Where is Seward in Alaska?
Seward is a charming port town on the Kenai Peninsula in southcentral Alaska. Nestled at the head of Resurrection Bay (a breathtaking fjord on the Gulf of Alaska) it has some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find anywhere - surrounded by towering mountains and icy blue waters.
Map of Seward, Alaska
How to Get to Seward
Most travelers fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), with this being the closest airport to Seward, and generally the easiest hub airport to fly into. From Anchorage, you have a couple of beautiful options for the roughly 125 mile trip south.
By Car: The drive along the Seward Highway is one of the most scenic in the United States. This road winds along the Turnagain Arm, offering chances to spot beluga whales, Dall sheep, and even hanging glaciers. The drive takes about 2.5 hours without stops, but you’ll want to budget extra time for photos.
Search for the best rental car rates on RentalCars.com.
By Train: For a more hands-off journey, the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train offers daily summer service (mid-May through mid-September) between Anchorage and Seward. The route features even more breathtaking views, many of which you can’t even see from the road!
10 Best Things to Do in Seward, Alaska
1. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park
You can't visit Seward without exploring Kenai Fjords National Park! A great starting point is the Exit Glacier Nature Center. From here, you can take the easy Exit Glacier overlook trail to get a really nice view of the glacier. This is a perfect choice if you only have a couple hours to spend in the park. Pro tip: always carry bear spray in this area, since it is heavy with bear sightings.
For more of a challenge, the ~8.5 mile round-trip Harding Icefield hike is one of the most rewarding day hikes in Alaska. It’s a strenuous climb, but the panoramic views of the vast icefield are absolutely breathtaking and nearly impossible to beat!
>> Book a guided group hike to the Harding Icefield with Kenai Backcountry Adventures
Entering Kenai Fjords National Park
Exit Glacier view from the easy overlook trail
2. Paddleboard Next to Bear Glacier
For an unforgettable hidden gem experience, book a paddleboarding excursion to Bear Glacier with Liquid Adventures. Bear Glacier is the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, and its terminal moraine has created a stunning lagoon filled with massive icebergs.
This half day adventure (~5.5 hours from start to finish) runs from late May through late September (pending weather) and is something you shouldn't miss while in Alaska! More information about paddleboarding trips can be found on their website.
3. Hike the Tonsina Creek Trail
The Lowell Point State Recreation Site, just a short drive from town, is a local favorite. The Tonsina Creek Trail is a beautiful coastal hike that winds through lush forests to a secluded beach. It’s perfect for a part-day adventure, being only ~3 miles round-trip, and gives you some wonderful views of Resurrection Bay.
4. Go Big with a Helicopter Tour
Want a once-in-a-lifetime experience? A helicopter tour is the way to do it. You can book a sightseeing flight that includes a glacier landing, allowing you to walk on the ancient ice.
Even better, some tours combine this with dogsledding on a glacier. Meeting the happy sled dogs and mushing across a snow-covered glacier in the middle of summer? Pure Alaska magic!
Helicopter tour with a mountaintop landing
Glacier views from above during winter
5. Hike (or Bike) the Lost Lake Trail
The Lost Lake trail is a classic Kenai Peninsula trek, which is perfect for both hikers and mountain bikers. This ~14 mile (round-trip) trail climbs through alpine meadows bursting with vibrant colors in both the summer and fall season. The views of the surrounding mountains and the pristine Lost Lake are incredible.
>> Rent mountain bikes and e-bikes in Seward
>> Book a guided group hike with Kenai Backcountry Adventures
6. Take a Wildlife & Glacier Cruise
One of the most popular things to do in Seward (for good reason!) is a boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park. These cruises offer the best chance to see marine wildlife like orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, puffins, and sea otters. You'll also get up close to tidewater glaciers, where if you’re lucky, you can witness massive chunks of ice calve into the ocean.
>> Book a 7.5 hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with Lunch (top rated tour)
>> Book a 4 hour Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise (most popular)
Coastal views before leaving the harbor
7. Book a Guided Fishing Charter
Seward is a world-class fishing destination. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer (like me!), booking a guided fishing charter is a fantastic way to experience it. You can try your luck at catching halibut, salmon, or rockfish while surrounded by the stunning scenery of Resurrection Bay.
>> Book your guided fishing charter out of Miller's Landing (various options)
Miller's Landing on Lowell Point
Boat launch area at Miller's Landing
8. Book a Self-Drive Jet Ski Tour
*Hidden gem!
Ride the waves with Jet Ski Seward Adventures. Their self-drive tours through the stunning Resurrection Bay are an immersive (and super fun!) way to explore Alaska’s pristine waters. Choose from a 4 hour daytime tour, or a 2.5 hour evening tour.
Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours allow you to experience jaw-dropping views of rugged coastline and abundant marine life - all from the unique perspective of your own jet ski. They even provide all of the essential outerwear gear you'll need to stay dry.
>> Check availability & book your jet ski tour
9. Walk Through Downtown and the Harbor
Seward’s historic downtown is filled with colorful murals, quirky shops, and art galleries. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon just moseying.
Don’t forget to walk along the boat harbor, where you can see everything from small fishing boats to large yachts. It’s also where you’ll find the public fish cleaning stations - a great spot to watch people bring in their impressive catches.
10. Relax in a Seward Sauna
*Hidden gem!
After a long day of adventuring, treat yourself to a unique Alaskan experience with Seward Saunas. These luxury mobile saunas can be booked for a private session, delivered and set up in your location of choice - whether that's at your Airbnb or beside a scenic river. How cool is that!? It’s the perfect way to relax while also soaking in the beauty of Seward's surrounding landscapes.
Other Things to Do Near Seward
If you have extra time, the area around Seward has even more to offer.
Rent Kayaks on Trail Lake: Located just north of Seward in the community of Moose Pass, you can rent kayaks to paddle along the beautiful Upper Trail Lake. This glacially-fed lake offers calm paddling waters and stunning views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Visit Cooper Landing: This small community is about an hour’s drive from Seward, and is a hub for fishing on the Kenai River. You can explore the stunningly turquoise Kenai Lake, visit Cooper Landing Brewing, or tackle the challenging Slaughter Ridge Trail for epic views.
Where to Stay in Seward, Alaska
Salted Roots Cabins: These modern cabins by the sea in Lowell Point (just a few minutes from downtown Seward) are absolutely stunning. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a stylish adventure base.
Miller’s Landing: A one-stop shop for lodging, offering everything from oceanfront camping and glamping to cozy cabins. Also located in Lowell Point.
Seward Adventure Lodge: Located in a renovated Forestry Ranger Station, this lodge right in downtown Seward offers a unique and comfortable stay.
Orca Island Cabins: For a super unique stay, take a water taxi to these luxury yurts on a private island not far from Seward. It's an Alaskan off-grid experience you can't replicate anywhere else.
Camping: There are numerous campgrounds in and around Seward. One of my favorite boondocking spots is right next to the Resurrection River, offering a free and scenic place to park for the night.
Salted Roots Cabins
Camping spot on the Resurrection River
Where to Eat and Drink in Seward
For such a small town, Seward has a surprisingly good food scene! Here are some of my top picks:
Seward Brewing Company: Great local beers with an equally delicious food menu.
Lone Chicharron Taqueria: A must-visit for incredible tacos - their rockfish street tacos might be my favorite tacos of all time.
Summit Sips: My go-to coffee shop in town, especially for an iced latte to start the day.
Resurrect Art Coffee House: A unique coffee shop set in a 100+ year old church, filled with local art.
Cafe at Miller's Landing: Located right on the waterfront at Miller's Landing, this cafe serves up really great coffee and hearty meals all day - including their freshly-caught seafood.
Firebrand BBQ: Tasty barbecue with outdoor seating.
The Cookery: A popular spot for dinner, known for its fresh local seafood and oysters. Reservations are highly recommended!
Flamingo Lounge: Craft cocktails and "small batch kitchen" in an elevated, retro space.
Summit Sips coffee shop (photo of their previous location)
Cafe at Miller's Landing
When to Visit Seward (Best Time of Year)
The best time to visit Seward is typically during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the weather is warmest, daylight hours are longest (nearly 24 hours!), and all tours and activities are in full swing.
However, the shoulder months of May and September can also be wonderful. You’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices, though some tours may have limited schedules.
My personal favorite time of year is September, when you can enjoy the unmatched beauty of fall in Alaska.
>> Read Next: 13 Wonderful Things To Do And See During Fall In Alaska
Moody early autumn weather near Seward
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Seward, Alaska worth visiting?
A: Absolutely, yes! Tucked right between dramatic mountains and the shimmering Resurrection Bay, Seward is a true Alaskan gem. Whether you’re exploring the epic glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, hopping on a wildlife cruise, or hiking through its incredible landscapes, you'll be completely immersed in breathtaking natural beauty.
Q: What is the best way to get to Seward?
A: Seward is easily accessible by car or train from Anchorage. The scenic drive along the Seward Highway is one of the most beautiful road trips in Alaska, while the train ride offers stunning views and easy access if you don't have a car.
Q: How long should I plan to stay in Seward?
A: A stay of two to three days is perfect for exploring Seward’s main attractions, including Kenai Fjords National Park, local hikes, and the town itself. However, adventure seekers (my hand is raised over here!) may want to stay slightly longer to fully immerse themselves in outdoor activities that the area has to offer.
Q: What can I do in Seward on a rainy day?
A: Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center to explore marine life up close, or stop by local shops and galleries to discover unique Alaskan art and crafts. And, of course, there’s nothing like enjoying a warm drink at a charming café while watching the rain fall on Resurrection Bay.
Final Thoughts
Seward truly captures the spirit of Alaska. It’s a place that's very easy to fall in love with, where epic landscapes pair beautifully with a vibrant little coastal community. If you’re ready to plan your own trip, use this guide to start building your perfect Seward itinerary. Happy travels!
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10 Best Things To Do In Seward, Alaska (+ Hidden Gems)
